Aware, a climate tech company based in Amsterdam, has dedicated three years to develop a digital product passport that enables the comprehensive tracking of sustainable textiles, both physically and digitally, at every stage of the supply chain. This innovation allows brands to regain consumer trust and accurately monitor their environmental impact. Existing certification bodies are facing significant challenges due to the high incidence of errors and fraud in their operations. Both brands and consumers are demanding greater transparency and reliability, yet the current market solutions are inadequate to address these concerns.

Aware aims to revolutionize this situation by utilizing real data that offers brands and consumers trustworthy information regarding the sustainability of products, thereby stimulating circularity. This approach empowers brands and consumers to make more informed choices that benefit both people and the planet.

Virtual chain linked to textiles

The technology developed by Aware enables comprehensive tracking and validation of each stage in the supply chain. Through mapping the entire brand chain, Aware allows every participant to directly verify and exchange information. Feico van der Veen, founder and Managing Director of Aware, which has been active in sustainable fashion for more than 25 years, adds: “Getting first-hand data ultimately creates a transparent network of makers that can be trusted by both brands and consumers.” A physical tracer is embedded in the sustainable fiber that can be read by any manufacturing partner in the chain with a special Aware hand scanner. Suppliers share proprietary information on the new, public blockchain platform developed by Aware. The platform makes sure that all information is available in real time, without third-party intervention.

Development and partners

In 2020, the Amsterdam-based company started developing the “Aware Virtual ID” as their digital product passport is named. The platform is now live after several pilots with launching partners. One of the first brands to use the technology is German sustainable brand Armed Angels. Besides clothing brands, Aware™ also works for players active in promotional products, such as global suppliers XD Connects (NL) Schijvens (NL) Sols (Fr) and Kariban (FR).